NC forced to postpone programme after protest

Janakpurdham, November 30

Nepali Congress, Dhanusha, which was preparing to stage a rally in Janakpur today to press its leadership to address the demands of Madhesis, has deferred its programme until a later date in the wake of protest from agitating parties.

In order to prevent the slated programme, leaders and cadres of United Democratic Madhesi Front burnt tyres in the major chowks, forcing Congress to announce postponement of the programme at a press conference. Speaking at the conference, NC Dhanusha district President Ram Saroj Yadav rued the disruption of the programme.

“We had actually planned the programme to pile pressure on our leaders to address the demands of the Madhes after UDMF leaders asked for our help,” said Yadav, accusing the UDMF of showing double standards by not allowing them to organise their programme.

He also accused the agitators of preventing party cadres from participating in the slated programme. UDMF Dhanusha coordinator Shesh Narayan Yadav, however, refuted the charge. He also accused the parties involved in drafting and promulgating statute of acting with the ulterior motive of thwarting the agitation at all costs.

“In fact we had told them to hold the programme with black flags, but as they were adamant about keeping the party banner, so we had no option but to prevent their programme,” he said, adding, “They (NC and the ruling parties) are welcome if they want to support the Madhesi cause, but we won’t accept any support that comes under the flags and banners of other parties.”

In order to prevent the purported rally of Congress, UDMF cadres had assembled and burnt tyres at the major chowks and obstructed even cycles and the rickshaws from early morning. They also beat up four NC cadres.

Regarding the security situation in the district, Dhanusha Chief District Officer Kali Prasad Parajuli said his office was managing the situation well. He also called on both sides to exercise restraint.